Adeste Fideles - Notes On The Carol Adeste Fideles "Hymn on the Prose for Christmas Day" Also known as Prosa In Nativitï¿½te Dï¿½mini, the Portuguese Hymn, and Adeste, Fidelis Adeste Fideles , No. 42, from Chandler, 1837 Adeste Fideles (Dom John Stï¿½phan). Words and Music: John Francis Wade (c. 1711/2-1786), circa 1743/4 (and possibly as early as 1740) MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / PDF / XML Versions on this site are found on Adeste, Fideles Translations . The history of Adeste Fideles was shrouded in mystery for many years. At various times, the lyrics were attributed to St. Bonaventura, the 13th century Italian scholar, and others, including the Portuguese, the Germans, the Spanish, and the Cistercian order of monks. The music was attributed to many composers, including the English organist John Reading, Sr. (d.

1692), John Reading, Jr. (1677-1764), Handel, and Marcos Antonio da Fonesca (1762-1830), a Portuguese musician (who, it was later determined, was born 19 or 20 years after the first publication of the score). However, in 1946, Rev. Maurice Frost, Vicar of Deddington, Oxford, discovered a new manuscript of the hymn (written in Latin). Regrettably, it's cover ï¿½ and the possible signature of its author ï¿½ was missing. The next year, Dom John Stï¿½phan, OSB, published his 32-page monograph, The Adeste Fideles: A Study On Its Origin and Development ( Buckfast Abbey Publications: Devon, 1947) concluding that the hymn and the tune were both written by the same man: John Francis Wade was born circa 1711 in England the son of a cloth merchant, John Wade, who had numerous connections to Leeds.

A Catholic layman, he fled religious persecution in England, and by 1731 he was copying plainchant at the Dominical college at Bornhem, Flanders. Subsequently, he settled in Douai (or Douay), France, the location of a major Catholic college established by Phillip II of Spain in 1559. Wade made his living "by copying and selling plain chant and other music," 1a and the teaching of Latin and Church song. According to his obituary, he produced beautiful copies of plainchant and hymn manuscripts for local chapels and private use. Wade was also well connected with prominent Catholic musicians of the time, including Thomas Arne (1720-1778), and Samuel Webbe (1740-1816). According to Bennett Zon, Wade was also an instrumental force in the English revival of plainchant. 1b 1. Adeste fideles Verbum caro factum: Venite ... His famous "Adeste Fideles" appears to have been produced by at least 1743, and possibly as early as 1740.

Both the words and the music appear in five existing manuscripts (four of which were signed by Wade 1c ) including: The "Jacobite" manuscript was written circa 1743 or 1744 according to Dom Stï¿½phan ï¿½ and possibly as early as 1740 according the editors of the New Oxford Book of Carols. This is said to be the earliest known copy in Wade's hand; a facsimile was reproduced in Dom Jean Stï¿½phan's "The Adeste Fideles: A Study On Its Origin and Development" (Devon, England: Buckfast Abbey Publications, 1947). It was this copy found by Rev. Frost in 1946, and is the only one lacking the signature of Mr. Wade. According to Dr. Zon, this manuscript has now gone missing. At Stonyhurst College, Lancashire, 1750. This is the version found in Wade's Cantus Diversi pro Dominicis et Festis. In that volume, the name of this carol is In Nativitate Domini Hymnus.

According to the curator of the library at Stonyhurst College, the first line is spelled Adeste Fideles (and not Adeste Fidelis as some have asserted). This copy was written for the English College at Lisbon, Portugal. At the Henry Watson Music Library, Manchester, England, around 1751. Two copies at Edmund's College, Old Hall, Ware, England, 1760, a Graduale and a Vesporal. A sixth copy at Clongowes Wood College, Kildare, Ireland, dated from 1746 or 1749, was reportedly lost or stolen in the 1940s. Until its loss, it was believed to be the oldest known copy. Dom Stephan argues that Wade wrote both the words and the music, pulling together many facts concerning the manuscripts themselves, as well as the history of the time. There is, for example, a remarkable similarity to a tune from a comic opera, Acajou by Charles Simon Favart (1710-1792) (Paris, March 18, 1744; based on Comte d'Acajou by Devos).

Dom Stï¿½phan quotes G. E. P. Arkwright (The Musical Antiquary, Vol. I., April, 1910) to the effect that the song Rage inutile from Acajou was a transcription of the original tune from which the first part of Adeste Fideles is derived. The tune was called Air Angolis. The quotation from Arkwright concluded with the following: "This adaptation, by which a really fine tune was compounded out of rather incongruous materials, may have been made by some choirmaster (probably between c. 1740 and 1750), for the use of a Roman Catholic choir." Since the tune was used in Paris in 1744, the date of the composition would have to have been prior to that time. In examining the "Jacobite" manuscript, Dom Stï¿½phan went so far as to examine the watermarks, which were identified by an expert as being dated between 1720 and 1750. Dom Stï¿½phan also examined other manuscripts, known to be by Wade, and concluded that they were by the same hand.

He also examined other texts within the "Jacobite" manuscript and found a prayer for King James, whom he concluded was probably James III (nee James Francis Edward Stuart, a.k.a. "the Old Pretender," son of James II 2 ). The hopes by James III to gain the English throne were crushed in 1745 when a Jacobite uprising (led by his son, Prince Charles Edward Stuart, "the Young Pretender") was crushed. Dom Stï¿½phan noted that in a subsequent copy (the 1750 Stonyhurst copy), the "Prayer for the King" omitted James in favor of Joseph, the son of King John V of Portugal, who ascended to the throne in 1750. Finally, Dom Stï¿½phan noted that the version of Adeste Fideles in the "Jacobite" manuscript differed in some material respects to the other known versions, especially in the chorus which is changed from "Venite adorade" to "Venite adoramus" (the correct liturgical phrase in the Invitatory Response at Matins according to Dom Stï¿½phan).

In addition, the "Jacobite" manuscript is written in 3/4 time, while all subsequent versions are written in 4/4 time. Finally, the earlier versions are written in a 5-line stave, while subsequent versions were written in a 4-line stave. The lyrics were printed in France in 1760 in the Evening Offices of the Church; according to Elizabeth Poston, previous editions did not contain them. In England, the hymn and tune first appeared in the Essay or Instruction for Learning the Church Plain Chant in 1782 in London (Keyte and Parrott state that this was anonymously published; Poston and Dom Stï¿½phan indicate that the author was Samuel Webbe). Ten years later, in 1792, the hymn and tune were repeated in a four-part setting of the tune in Samuel Webbe's Collection of Motetts or Antiphons; Webbe's motet for the Adeste, Fideles was reprinted by W. M. Lutz, Motets for the Year (London: Boosey & Co., ca. 1850), #6.

Regrettably, Webbe did not give any attribution of the composer of the tune. It was likely this version which Webbe, a prominent organist, was playing three years later, in 1795. Webbe's Motet of Adeste, Fideles. Webbe's motet was reprinted by W. M. Lutz, Motets for the Year (London: Boosey & Co., a. 1850), #6. The hymn has often been called "The Portuguese Hymn." This is because an 1795 performance of the hymn by Samuel Webbe was first heard by the Duke of Leeds at the chapel of the Portuguese embassy in London, one of the few strongholds of Catholic culture in the country at that time. The Duke was so impressed that he commissioned a fuller arrangement by Thomas Greatorex. This arrangement was performed at a "Concert of Ancient Music" (a.k.a. the Ancient Concerts) on May 10, 1797. According to Vincent Novello, the hymn was identified as "The Portuguese Hymn" since the Duke erroneously assumed that Portugal was source (Novello also wrote a popular arrangement).

3 Soon the carol became very popular throughout England, Europe, and the United States. Concerning this misunderstanding, William Henry Husk noted in 1863: ... accompanied of late years by an English translation of the Latin Christmas hymn, "Adeste, fideles," under the title of the Portuguese Hymn, or as one worthy printer calls it "A favourite Christmas Hymn, translated from the Portuguese," ignorant of the fact that its title of "Portuguese," was given to it by an English nobleman [the Duke of Leeds] who was a director of the Concerts of Ancient Music and introduced the hymn there, having previously heard it sung at the Chapel of the Portuguese embassy in South Street, Grosvenor Square, and assuming it to be a Portuguese composition. 4 By the eighteenth century, Adeste Fideles was popular in Germany and France. There it was called "The Midnight Mass," because monks changed it into a Christmas Eve processional. In the early eighteenth century, it was possibly used by wealthy French Catholic families in their private chapels.

Originally, Wade wrote a four-verse lyric, but later authors increased the number to eight verses (although only 7 have any contemporary currency). See: Adeste, Fideles (the Latin version, with additions). Three of these verses were written by Abbï¿½ ï¿½tienne Jean Franï¿½ois Borderies, and are sometimes referred to as the "French Cento": 2. En grege relicto, Adeste Fideles: A Study On Its Origin and Development , Dom John Stephan, O.S.B., ï¿½Publications,ï¿½ Buckfast Abbey , South Devon, 1947 Translations on this site are found on Adeste, Fideles Translations . See and play the Noteworthy Composer score if you have installed the NoteWorthy Composer Browser Plug-in Only tested by Noteworthy for Netscape, Opera, and IE Browsers (Versions 4 or 5) In my experience, it also works with Firefox. 1a. B. Ward, History of St. Edmund's College, Old Hall (London, 1893), 142, cited by several sources. Return 1b.

Bennett Zon, The English Plainchant Revival. New York: Oxford University Press, 1999. Recommended for additional biographical notes concerning John Francis Wade and the Wade family. Return 1c. 'Ad usum Chori Anglorum ï¿½ Joannes Franciscus Wade scripsit' Return 2. At the death in 1701 of James II, his son, James Francis Edward Stuart ("the Old Pretender"), was recognized as James III by the courts of France and Spain and so proclaimed by the Jacobites. Return 3. Ian Bradley, in The Penguin Book of Carols (London: Penguin, 1999), notes that he received a letter following a December 1995 article from an individual who asserted that "The Portuguese Hymn" was written by Marcos Portugal (nee Marcus Antonio da Fonseca, 1762-1830, a.k.a. "Il Portogallo"), a Portuguese composer and Chapel Master to the monarchs of Portugal (by coincidence, the "Cantus Diversi" manuscript was originally found at the English College in Lisbon, Portugal).

However, my research indicates that Portugal didn't began his career as a composer until 1786 (when he was appointed maestro at the new Salitre Theatre in Lisbon), only three years before the first translation was produced. No biography that I have located attributes Adeste Fideles to this composer. Dom John Stï¿½phan also discounted this theory (pp. 11-12). Since the earliest known copy was created some 20 years before the birth of this composer, this claim can be safely disposed of. Return 4. William Henry Husk, Songs of the Nativity (London: John Camden Hotten, 1868), in his notes to "God Rest You, Merry Gentlemen", page 27. Return Sources: Adeste Fideles - Christmas Carol - Guitar and strings - YouTube Adeste Fideles - Christmas Carol - Guitar and strings Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later.

Uploaded on Oct 24, 2011 Adeste Fideles, also called (O, Come All Ye Faithful) is an English Christmas Carol. The text was originally written in Latin (Adeste Fideles) by John Wade, and the music was composed by John Reading in the early 1700s. The tune was first published in 1751. In 1841 Frederick Oakley translated the text from Latin into English and the song got the English name O, Come All Ye Faithful. O Come All Ye Faithful Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem. Come and behold Him, Born the King of Angels; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord. O Sing, choirs of angels, Sing in exultation, Sing all that hear in heaven God's holy word. Give to our Father glory in the Highest; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord. All Hail!

Lord, we greet Thee, Born this happy morning, O Jesus! for evermore be Thy name adored. Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord. Adeste Fideles 7. Pro nobis egenum Et foeno cubantem, Piis foveamus amplexibus; Sic nos anamtem quis non redamaret? These three verses, joined by Wade's first verse, are sometimes referred to as the "French Cento." A eighth verse was added in the mid 19th century to celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany; it's authorship is unknown: 8. Stella duce, Magi, Christum adorantes, Aurum, thus, et myrrham dant munera; Jesu infanti corda praebeamus. See Hugh Keyte and Andrew Parrott, eds., The New Oxford Book of Carols (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1992), #70.

Erik Routley gives the following literal translation of verse six: "We shall see the Eternal Splendour of the Eternal Father veiled in flesh. God as a child wrapped in Swaddling-clothes." (The English Carol. New York: Oxford University Press, 1959). Samuel Webbe's Motet of Adeste, Fideles, ca. 1795 Instrumental Sheet Music by Aptommas (New York: J. F. Browne, 1885) Source: Library of Congress, Rare Book and Special Collections Division, America Singing: Nineteenth-Century Song Sheets. Instrumental Sheet Music "Adeste Fideles With Variations, Op. 403" by Charles Grobe (Philadelphia: Lee & Walker, 1854) Settings Other Than Wade's Adeste, Fideles 1. The De La Salle Hymnal for Catholic Schools and Choirs (New York: The La Salle Bureau, 1913), p. 5, with setting by Lerler. 2. Henry, Duke of Norfolk, and Charles T.

Gatty, Arundel Hymns (London: Boosey & Co., 1905), p. 34. 3. Edwin A. Bedell, The Church Hymnary (New York: Charles E. Merrill & Co., 1899), #180, p. 86, setting #2 by J. Barnby. The English translations on this site do not follow the usual order of verses. The English Hymnal, 1906, #614, The New English Hymnal, 1986, #30, The New Oxford Book of Carols, 1992, #70, all of which give this order: 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 3, 4. See: O Come All Ye Faithful - Version 3 for this order. Note that Hymns Ancient and Modern (Old Edition, 1889) and The Book of Common Praise (1909) give only verses 1-4, as found above (and as reproduced in Version 1: O Come, All Ye Faithful ).

Paul Hodges, a friend of this site, gives the following order, which he obtained from a companion to one of the major English or Scottish hymnals: 1, 2, 5, 8, 6, 7, 3, 4. The order of verses given here are those as reproduced by Dom John Stï¿½phan, The Adeste Fideles: A Study On Its Origin and Development (Devon, England: Buckfast Abbey Publications, 1947). Of course, you should feel free to re-order them in any way that is meaningful to you. Notes from Rev. Matthew Britt, O.S.B., Hymns from the Breviary and Missal (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., 1922), pp. 105-106. Author unknown. 18th cent. Translation [of O Come, All Ye Faithful ] by Canon Oakeley. There are forty translations. The complete hymn consists of eight stanzas, four of which are commonly used at Benediction during Christmastide. There are four translations of this hymn in Mr.

Shipley's Annus Sanctus; the one by J. C. Earle is a translation of the complete hymn. The Adeste Fideles is not found in the Breviary or Missal. It is a beautiful invitation to the faithful "to come to Bethlehem" in spirit, and worship the new-born Saviour. "With the exception of the Dies irï¿½ and the Stabat Mater," says W. J. Grattan-Flood, Mus.D., "it is doubtful if there is a more popular hymn in our churches than the Adeste Fideles" (The Dolphin, Dec, 1905). The above translation is literal. In line 15, Io is an interj. expressing great joy. Line 17, aula cï¿½lestium, the court of the blessed, the heavenly court. Translations on this site are found on Adeste, Fideles Translations . See and play the Noteworthy Composer score if you have installed the NoteWorthy Composer Browser Plug-in Christmas Carols Christian scriptures detail a world of spirits and nine choirs of Angels who were sent by God into the lives of humankind.

Legend tells that in Bethlehem, people heard the Angels sing one time in unison to announce the birth of the Christ Child. The words thought to ring out at that moment were: Gloria in exelsis Deo, et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis. Therefore, this is considered to be the first Christmas carol. According to ancient tradition, Christmas carols of all times and all nations should adhere strictly to the narrative of Saint Luke, which has three distinct points: the recitive of the Angel of the Lord, the choir of the multitudes of Angels and the reaction of the shepherds. Christmastime music began with the litanies, or musical prayers, of the Christian Church. An early historian wrote that in approximately 100 A.D., the Bishop of Rome urged his people to sing "in celebration of the birthday of our Lord." By 400 A.D., priests would stroll around their parishes on Christmas Eve singing these Latin hymns. St. Francis of Assisi is credited with being the "Father of Caroling." Only church officials had been encouraged to sing carols prior to the time of St. Francis.

In 1223, however, the saint placed a creche (miniature Nativity scene) in a hermitage at Greechio, Italy. After this, many churches began displaying such scenes at Christmas and soon, people began to act out the events of the Holy Night. The actors composed Christmas carols to sing during their Nativity plays and, later, would stroll through the streets still singing. In that manner, did street-caroling come to be. By the Middle Ages, wandering minstrels were traveling from hamlet to castle performing their carols. Later still, villages had their own bands of "waits." Waits were originally watchmen who patrolled the streets and byways of the old walled cities, keeping guard against fire and singing to while away the night hours. During the holiday season, the waits would include carols in their repertoires. Not everyone was delighted with this display of musical entertainment, however, and many townspeople complained, declaring they would rather get a good night's sleep than have somebody singing under their windows. Eventually the term was used to describe groups of musicians who sang and played at various civic events during the Christmas season.

The word "carol" derives from a Greek dance called a choraulein, which was accompanied by flute music. The dance later spread throughout Europe and became particularly popular by the French, who replaced the flute music with singing. Originally, people performed carols on many occasions during the year. By the 1600s, carols involved singing only and Christmas had become the chief holiday for these songs. Counted among the most favored of non-religious carols are "Jingle Bells" and "White Christmas," both of which first appeared as popular songs in the United States. "Adeste Fideles," more commonly known as "Oh Come, All Ye Faithful," is not strictly a Christmas carol but a Latin hymn of praise. It was composed by John Reading in the 1700s. The tune first appeared in the collection known as "Cantus Diversi" in 1751. The most familiar English version of this carol was translated by Frederick Oakeley, but people sing it in many parts of the world and in many languages. "The First Noel" is unknown in origin, except that it is believed to have come from the West of England.

It first appeared in 1833 in "Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern," a collection of seasonal songs gathered by W.B. Sandys. "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" is an old English rhyme and dates at least as far back as the 1500s. It is a carol of which the British people are particularly fond. "Good Christian Men, Rejoice" was originally a very old Latin Christmas song called In Dulci Jubilo. John Mason Neale translated the words around the middle of the 1800s. The melody is believed to be German in origin and dates from the 1300s or earlier. Christmas carols -- William Studwell's Christmas Carols of the Year series - Chicago Tribune Christmas carols -- William Studwell's Christmas Carols of the Year series William Studwell's Christmas Carols of the Year series Tweet The Northern Illinois University professor emeritus picked a Christmas carol to feature each year since 1986. What follows are his 25 years of carols, including "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" for 2010, which Studwell chose before he passed away in August. "Hark!

How the bells, sweet silver bells." Famous renditions As the melody in a series of champagne commercials for TV. Did you know? Also known as "Ukrainian Carol." 1987 "Away in a manger,No crib for His bedThe little Lord JesusLaid down His sweet head." Did you know? For many years it was widely believed to have been written by the religious figure Martin Luther. 1988 I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day Written: Words from a Henry Wadsworth Longfellow poem were paired with music by John Calkin of Britain, sometime after 1872. Memorable lyrics "And wild and sweet the words repeatOf peace on earth, good will to men." Did you know? Longfellow's poem, written at the height of the Civil War, was as much an antiwar song as a Christmas carol. 1989 Isaac Watts, words in 1719 Music published in 1839 collection by Lowell Mason and probably written by him Memorable lyrics "And heav'n and heav'n and nature sing." Did you know? For many years, the tune was credited to the composer of "The Messiah," George Handel.

1990 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Written: Originally by: Charles Wesley, with significant conributions by two others, wrote the words William Hayman Cummings created the music from a passage in a 1840 work by Felix Mendelssohn . Memorable lyrics "Peace on earth, and mercy mild,God and sinners reconciled!" Did you know? The Mendelssohn piece had been created to honor the 400th anniversary of Gutenberg's invention of moveable type. 1991 O Come All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fideles) Written: "O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant..." Did you know? Written in Latin by an Englishman living in France, it's popularity soared after being performed in the Portuguese embassy in London. 1992 "May your days be merry and bright And may all your Christmases be white " Famous renditions Sung in the movie Holiday Inn, it received the Oscar for best song of 1942, and Bing Crosby's recording became the best-selling record of all time.

1993 O Little Town of Bethlehem Written: "O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie!" Famous renditions Originally written for a children's choir, it is the best known American religious carol. Silent Night "Holy Infant, so tender and mild,Sleep in heavenly peace!" Famous renditions Two traveling singing families, the Strassers and the Rainers, spread the song throughout Austria and Germany. The Rainers performed the song in New York City in 1839. Did you know? The world's most famous Christmas carol, Studwell said, "embodies the spirit of the holiday more than any other muscial piece ever created." 1994 God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen Written: "God bless you merry, gentlemen! May nothing you dismay!" Famous renditions "God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen" is the carol of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." Possibly the leading carol of English origins, it was Studwell's personal favorite.

1995 Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly Written: "'Tis the season to be jolly, Fa la la la la, la la la la." Famous renditions The melody was used by Mozart in a duet for violin and piano, "Sonata No. 18." Did you know? With its lighthearted lyrics, it is the classic model of the jolly secular carol. 1996 Mel Torme and Robert Wells Memorable lyrics "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire" Famous renditions First recorded by Nat King Cole in 1946. Did you know? Studwell called this song, "as fine an impression of the positive nature, friendliness, and spirituality of Christmas ever managed by an entirely secular song." 1997 Music by Adolphe-Charles Adam Memorable lyrics "O holy night, the stars are brightly shining,It is the night of the dear Savior's birth" Famous renditions The best known English translation is by American John Sullivan Dwight. Did you know?

An obscure French poet wrote the words for the song, which was composed by the writer of the famous ballet, "Giselle." 1998 "It's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you" Did you know? Initially it was solely an instrumental work, and it still is frequently performed that way. 1999 Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Written: Originally by: Johnny Marks Mark's brother-in-law, Robert L. May, wrote the original verse in 1939 for a Montgomery Ward promotion. Memorable lyrics "Rudolph with your nose so bright, Won't you guide my sleigh tonight?" Famous renditions The first and most famous recording was by Gene Autry in 1949; it is second only in popularity to Bing Crosby's "White Christmas." Did you know?

The verse and song produced the first new Christmas character since the introduction of Santa Claus in the 1822 classic, "'Twas the Night before Christmas." 2000 It Came Upon the Midnight Clear Written: Edmund Hamilton Sears, words, 1849 Richard Storrs Willis, music, 1850 Memorable lyrics "It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old" Did you know? "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear" has the distinction of being the first great American Christmas carol. Frosty the Snow Man Steve Nelson and Jack Rollins Memorable lyrics "Let's run andWe'll have some funNow before I melt away." Famous renditions Gene Autry's recording of "Frosty" in 1950 was a million-copy seller. Did you know? Several television specials have helped sustain Frosty's popularity. In 1969, Jimmy Durante narrated and sang in the first version. 2001 O Come, O Come Emmanuel Written: John Mason Neale translated verses from Latin Thomas Helmore, arranged music in 1854 Memorable lyrics "Rejoice! Rejoice!

EmmanuelShall come to thee, O Israel." Did you know? Both words and music are presumed to have come from the 12th Century, but there is no proof of this. Silver Bells Jay Livingston (music) and Ray Evans (words) Memorable lyrics "City sidewalks, busy sidewalksDressed in holiday style." Famous renditions First performed by Bob Hope and Marilyn Maxwell in the movie "The Lemon Drop Kid." Did you know? "Silver Bells" combines a contemporary urban setting with old-fashioned emotional responses. 2002 The Holly and the Ivy Written: "The holly and the ivy,Now both are full well grown." Did you know? The original meaning of the lyrics, symbolizing the rivalry of the sexes, is replaced in modern times by the appreciation of holly and ivy as decorations. Patapan Studwell called Patapan "a brisker and richer predecessor to 'The Little Drummer Boy'." 2003 Neale's tune was borrowed from a 16th Century melody. Memorable lyrics "Good King Wenceslas look'd out, On the Feast of Stephen;When the snow lay round about, Deep, and crisp, and even" Did you know?

Wenceslas was not a king, but instead a duke of Bohemia in the 10th century; his name in Czech was actually Vaclav. 2004 Go Tell it on the Mountain Written: John Wesley Work Jr. adapted the lyrics and music for publication. Memorable lyrics "Go, tell it on the mountainThat Jesus Christ is born." Did you know? According to Studwell, this greatest of all American folk carols "has carved a substantial niche for itself without benefit of the pop music or conventional religious establishments." 2005 Angels We Have Heard on High Written: Originally by: Anonymous There have been various translations and adaptation, but the present U.S. version was published in a 1916 carol collection. Memorable lyrics "Gloria in excelsis Deo,Gloria in excelsis Deo." 2006 Anonymous Memorable lyrics "The first Nowell the Angel did sayWas to three poor Shepherds in fields as they lay." Did you know?

Sometime between 1870 and the early 20th Century, the name of the carol was switched to "The First Noel," leading to the confusion that France may have been the song's birthplace. 2007 We Three Kings of Orient Are Written: John Henry Hopkins Jr. Memorable lyrics "O Star of Wonder, Star of Night,Star with Royal Beauty bright,Westward leading, Still proceeding,Guide us to Thy perfect Light." Famous renditions Although quickly popular as a Christmas carol, it was excluded from many hymnals for years because it portrayed the three wise men as royalty. Did you know? According to Studwell, it has fulfilled its mission to relate the story from the Book of Matthew better than any other work of music ever has. Jingle Bells James S. Pierpont Memorable lyrics "Jingle bells, Jingle bells,Jingle all the way;Oh! what joy it is to rideIn a one horse open sleigh." Famous renditions "Jingle Bells" might be the most popular of all non-sacred Christmas songs in the world, according to Studwell. Did you know?

"Jingle Bells," Studwell said, was probably the first secular carol of consequence produced in the United States. 2008 The Twelve Days of Christmas Written: Originally by: English folk song A similar folk song in French suggests that "Twelve Days" may have been borrowed from France. Memorable lyrics "On the first day of Christmas, My true love sent to meA partridge in a pear tree." Did you know? Studwell considered "The Twelve Days of Christmas" to be the holiday equivalent of "Old MacDonald Had a Farm," both having a repetitive tune and lyrics that rely heavily on barnyard fowl. 2009 "In the meadow we can build a snowman,Then pretend that he is Parson Brown" Famous renditions The 1950s recording by the Andrews Sisters became a best-seller. Did you know? Neither author lived to see the height of the song's popularity.

2010 We Wish You a Merry Christmas Written: Unknown Memorable lyrics "Good tidings we bring for you and your kin;We wish you a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!" Famous renditions Reflecting on why Christmas carols endure, Studwell wrote in his book on carols, "A little song like 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas,' therefore, can have an effect surpassing its intrinsic merits because of its continuing membership in the highly influential club of carols." Did you know? "It is a natural last piece for focus (and the 25th year in his series), since it is frequently the final piece in carol performances sessions," Studwell wrote just before his death. What is the Earliest Christmas Carol? in Music (You should click the above time line to get a larger, more readable version). Before we can answer the question of the first or earliest Christmas carol, we need to deal with some preliminary questions. What is a carol? What is a Christmas carol? And how does one determine a date for Christmas carol? None of these questions are trivial.

The Oxford English Dictionary defines “carol” as “a ring-dance with accompaniment of song” or “a song; originally, that to which they danced” or “a song or hymn of religious joy”. The later definition hits the mark most closely. However, we also have a large number of non-religious seasonal songs of similar joyous character, and I will include them as well. But even then there are some little controversies to note: Is “Jingle Bells” really a Christmas carol? The best evidence is that the song was composed for Thanksgiving, not Christmas. And what about “Do you hear what I hear?” This was written in 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis. If you read the lyrics with any care it becomes obvious that the imagery is about missiles not Christmas: “A star, a star, dancing in the night \ With a tail as big as a kite.” However, both songs appear to have become seasonal standards, regardless of their original meaning, so who am I to argue to otherwise? Dating carols is also tricky, especially since the tune and the lyrics often date from different times.

A great example is “What Child is This?” where the lyrics date to 1865, but the tune (Greensleeves) dates to the 16th Century. Where such dates differ I take the later date, the date when the text and the tune were wedded. In some cases the text might have been set to music multiple times, with different tunes in use in different countries. “While Shepherds Watched their Flocks at Night” is a great example, set to numerous tunes from 1700 to 1903. In such cases I have taken the date of the version most-familiar in the United States. The above time line shows the Christmas carols that I knew in my childhood. Your core group of carols may differ from this, based on your age, country, language, ethnicity, religion, etc. Although my horizons would widen as I grew older and went to school, so I can now recognize a broader set of international and ancient carols, from “In Dulci Jubilo” to “Es ist ein Ros entsprungen” to “Riu Riu Chiu”, the above set represents my “native” carols, the ones I knew as a child.

Everything beyond that I consider to be an import The oldest carol on this time line is, not surprisingly, “Adeste Fideles”, published in 1751, with a history that goes back even further. I remember it being sung in church in my youth, with the words slightly modified, coming out with a loud, clear-throated “Adeste Fideles!” followed by a muted, “mumble, mumble mumble” until a fortissimo “in Bethlehem”. It is also notable, looking at the time line, that there was a “golden age” of carol writing, say 1840-1860. We have hardly seen a prominent traditional church carol since then. However, the 20th century has given us a large number of new secular standards and commercial holiday songs. I’d be interested in hearing from other traditions and cultures: What is the earliest holiday song that you commonly hear this time of year? Something a mother might sing to a child, or a family or church sing together?

Reply Link Dave W 2012/12/18, 13:47 The English Carol “Susanni” springs from at least the 14th Century, (though I believe the original tune has been lost) whilst “Veni Veni Emmanuel” allegedly has roots back in the 12th Century, possibly earlier, (I heard the 9th Century attributed to it only this morning on Classic FM!). Reply Link Paul 2013/12/15, 14:18 Isn’t Good King Wenceslas from that time or even earlier? The chord progression is very primative. Not like all the otherones are, but very stated with I-V-I, about as early as one gets other than gregorian chanting. Maybe they were the earliest? I wonder. What did people do in the first of times after Christs’ reserection. Is there tunes of any sort available or known? Alan 2014/11/25, 09:56 I’m afraid that Coventry Carol presents another of your earlier mentioned controversies… It was written about a much darker bit of Biblical history: the Slaughter of the Innocents.

It is most often, and effectively, sung by women, who represent the mournful mothers of those infants put to the swords of the soldiers. Reply Link P S Allen 2014/11/25, 13:58 Thanks for this. Lots of the stuff sung in England, ‘early’/medieval music might be earlier, eg “Adam lay y-bounden”, still sung especially in the university music schools, eg Cambridge/Oxford/Bristol, or more traditional Anglican cathedrals; also I don’t know if any of the monastic traditions, eg of plainsong might have chants with words about Jesus’ birth, though you might not count them as ‘carols’? Steve H.

2014/12/06, 21:23 Alex, There are really four broad “categories” of songs, carols, and hymns heard during the holiday season: (1) sacred/religious Christmas (“Silent Night”, “O Little Town of Bethlehem”, etc.), (2) secular Christmas (“Rudolph”, “Here Comes Santa Claus”, etc.), (3) winter (“Jingle Bells” [probably Thanksgiving], “Frosty”, etc.), and (4) New Year’s (i.e., “Deck the Hall” [Welsh 1794], “Auld Lang Syne”). Chris 2014/12/20, 09:07 Hi to You all, not long ago, a fragment of probably the oldest known christmas songs was found in Aachen, Germany. It dates back to about 983-1002. Lovely to listen to.

You can hear a sample here 10 Christmas Carols of The 18th Century - 18th Century History -- The Age of Reason and Change 10 Christmas Carols of The 18th Century Please Rate Believe it or not, caroling during Christmas was popular even in the 18th century. In Fact most of the popular carols sung today were written during the 18th century and early 19th century. Here is a list of ten such songs. No, Santa Claus, Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer and winter wonderland is not among them. They were written in the 20th century. Here are ten songs that are covered elsewhere on the Internet and with more explanation about how they were written, by whom and why. Please enjoy and Merry Christmas to all of you. 1. “ Hark the herald angels sing ”- Christmas Carol was written by Charles Wesley, brother of John Wesley founder of the Methodist church, in 1739. A sombre man, he requested slow and solemn music for his lyrics and thus “Hark the herald angels sing” was sung to a different tune initially.

Over a hundred years later Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) composed a cantata in 1840 to commemorate Johann Gutenberg's invention of the printing press. English musician William H. Cummings adapted Mendelssohn’s music to fit the lyrics of “Hark the herald angels sing” already written by Wesley. 2. "O Tannenbaum (Oh Christmas Tree)" - "O Tannenbaum" ("O Christmas Tree") is a German Christmas song. Based on a traditional folk song, it became associated with the Christmas tree by the early 20th century and sung as a Christmas carol. The modern lyrics were written in 1824 by the Leipzig organist, teacher and composer Ernst Anschütz. A Tannenbaum is a fir tree. The lyrics do not actually refer to Christmas, or describe a decorated Christmas tree. Instead, they refer to the fir's evergreen qualities as a symbol of constancy and faithfulness. 3.

"Silent Night" (German: Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht) is a popular Christmas carol, composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber to lyrics by Joseph Mohr in the small town of Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria. It was declared an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in March 2011. The song has been recorded by a large number of singers from every music genre. 4. "Joy To The World" - The words are by English hymn writer Isaac Watts, based on Psalm 98 in the Bible. The song was first published in 1719 in Watts' collection; The Psalms of David: Imitated in the language of the New Testament, and applied to the Christian state and worship. Watts wrote the words of "Joy to the World" as a hymn glorifying Christ's triumphant return at the end of the age,[2] rather than a song celebrating His first coming. Only the second half of Watts' lyrics are still used today. 5.

"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" was first published in 1833 when it appeared in "Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern," a collection of seasonal carols gathered by William B. Sandys. The lyrics of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen are traditional olde English and are reputed to date back to the 15th century although the author is unknown. It is believed that this particular carol was sung to the gentry by town watchmen who earned additional money during the Christmas season. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen continues to be enjoyed. The lyrics to this simple carol are reputed to be one of the oldest carols. 6. "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" - The author and composer of We Wish You a Merry Christmas cannot be traced however it is believed to date back to England in the sixteenth century. The tradition of carollers being given Christmas treats for singing to wealthy members of the community is reflected in this Christmas song - We Wish You a Merry Christmas! 7.

"O Come All Ye Faithful" - The text to the Carol O Come All Ye Faithful was originally written in Latin (Adeste Fideles) and was intended to be a hymn, it is attributed to John Wade, an Englishman. The music to O Come All Ye Faithful was composed by fellow Englishman John Reading in the early 1700s. The tune was first published in a collection known as "Cantus Diversi" in 1751. In 1841 Rev. Frederick Oakley is reputed to have worked on the familiar translation of O Come All Ye Faithful which replaced the older Latin lyrics "Adeste Fideles". 8. The "Christians Awake" salute the happy morn carol was written by John Byron who was born in Broughton, England in 1692 and died in Manchester in 1763. The Carol lyrics of Christians awake salute the happy morn are famous for the comprehensive quotation of the Archangel Gabriel “Behold, I bring good tidings…” John Byron wrote this poem in 1745 for his little daughter Dorothy.

On Christmas morning she found the manuscript amongst her presents , the title was originally called 'Christmas Day for Dolly' but was renamed as Christians awake salute the happy morn when music was added. The music to Christians awake was composed by J.Wainwright 9. "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is an English Christmas carol that enumerates in the manner of a cumulative song a series of increasingly grand gifts given on each of the twelve days of Christmas. The song, first published in England in 1780 without music as a chant or rhyme, is thought to be French in origin.[1] "The Twelve Days of Christmas" has a Roud Folk Song Index number of 68. The tunes of collected versions vary. The standard tune now associated with it is derived from a 1909 arrangement of a traditional folk melody by English composer Frederic Austin, who first introduced the now familiar prolongation of the verse "five gold rings". 10. "While Shepherds Watched" dates back to 1703. The words for While shepherds watched were written by Nahum Tate, who was the Poet Laureate in the reign of Queen Anne, and Nicholas Brady.

Only the Psalms of David were sung in the Anglican Church prior to that time. Tate and Brady were the first to paraphrase the psalms for singing in rhyme which then became distinctive of their work. The familiar melody used for While Shepherds Watched was taken from "Siroe," an opera by George Frederick Handel. On a lighter note children love to parody the words “While shepherds watched their flocks by night” and replacing them with “While Shepherds wash their socks by night!” How did people in eighteenth-century Virginia prepare for Christmas? There are many ways to prepare for any holiday, but a good start might be to look seriously at how eighteenth-century people prepared spiritually to celebrate Christmas. (Colonial Williamsburg Article) You are here:

Question: What is the English title of the Christmas carol originally written in Latin as Adeste Fideles?
Answer: O COME, ALL YE FAITHFUL